I need a new range finder..... hoping for $250 or less......

[Dan-o]

Opinions on best rangefinder for $250???

Thanks,

Dan

[DaveMonti]

I have the Nikon Aculon, and know several others that have the same model.  It's a good rangefinder that you should be able to get for around 150, but it won't get you beyond 400 yards very reliably.  You probably won't be able to pick up 1000 yard models for under $500 or so. 

[bradslam]

A little more expensive than $250, but I recently bought a Vortex Ranger 1000 at Sportsman's Warehouse.  It is normally $300, but I got it for $285 because it was the display model.  I seems to work just fine and has Vortex's unconditional lifetime warranty.  It has a red display and changes modes easily.  The only thing I'm not crazy about is having to push a button three times to get an initial reading.  One click turns on the unit, another click turns on the crosshairs, and a third click reads the yardage. 

[M_ray]

I've been down this road many times. I have a drawer full of 200-300$ range finders and 200-600$ binos ... My recommendation would be cut your losses now and spend 2000+ on Leica HDr or Swaro EL Range. I hit a range of 1447 yards in the Okanagan this year, I couldn't have done that with anything I have in the drawer that's collecting dust. 

[Branden]

For that price I would look at the sig kilo 850. Never used that one but I have used the sig kilo 2000. I was ranging stuff over 2200 yards away with it. It's faster and ranges further then my Leica 1600 that I have.

Regards, Branden

[sagerat]

I've been down this road many times. I have a drawer full of 200-300$ range finders and 200-600$ binos ... My recommendation would be cut your losses now and spend 2000+ on Leica HDr or Swaro EL Range. I hit a range of 1447 yards in the Okanagan this year, I couldn't have done that with anything I have in the drawer that's collecting dust. 

Sounds like this guy might have one to sell you cheap!!

[opdinkslayer]

Save your money and buy the Sig Kilo 2000

[pianoman9701]

Dan-O, what are you using it for? If you're using it for archery only, the Bushnell 400 is cheap and works. If you're looking to get into long distance shooting, see above. You don't need to spend a lot for an archery rangefinder.

[Special T]

I'm a big fan of the Nixon rifle hunter. Works out to 550 yards angle compensator for Archery and will range animals as far away as I can shoot them. Within you budget.

[Dan-o]

Dan-O, what are you using it for? If you're using it for archery only, the Bushnell 400 is cheap and works. If you're looking to get into long distance shooting, see above. You don't need to spend a lot for an archery rangefinder.

Thanks.

I shoot deer modern rifle in open country.    should have specified.

[Dan-o]

I've been down this road many times. I have a drawer full of 200-300$ range finders and 200-600$ binos ... My recommendation would be cut your losses now and spend 2000+ on Leica HDr or Swaro EL Range. I hit a range of 1447 yards in the Okanagan this year, I couldn't have done that with anything I have in the drawer that's collecting dust. 

I envy your ability to put down $2K+ on a range finder..

I'm just not there.   I'm a single income father of 5.   But I'll bet my kid's orthodontist could drop that kind of money on lunch, based on what I've paid him over the years (OUCH!!!!)

I might see my way clear to $300-350, but I just can't see going past that in my position.

Happy ranging!

[Dan-o]

P.S.   Thanks all, for the great advice.

Much appreciated.

[Jason]

I've been down this road many times. I have a drawer full of 200-300$ range finders and 200-600$ binos ... My recommendation would be cut your losses now and spend 2000+ on Leica HDr or Swaro EL Range. I hit a range of 1447 yards in the Okanagan this year, I couldn't have done that with anything I have in the drawer that's collecting dust. 

I envy your ability to put down $2K+ on a range finder..

I'm just not there.   I'm a single income father of 5.   But I'll bet my kid's orthodontist could drop that kind of money on lunch, based on what I've paid him over the years (OUCH!!!!)

I might see my way clear to $300-350, but I just can't see going past that in my position.

Happy ranging!

You don't need to spend$2k on a range finder when you can buy Sig Sauer Kilo2000 for $379 and it will do everything that the $2k models will.

[boneaddict]

I have a bushnell in my drawer I have never used.  I won it at the sportsman show for one of my bucks.   I'm not much of selling things for money.  Do you want to try it?  I don't use them.  Too old school. 

[M_ray]

Dan-O, what are you using it for? If you're using it for archery only, the Bushnell 400 is cheap and works. If you're looking to get into long distance shooting, see above. You don't need to spend a lot for an archery rangefinder.

True, I just saw that he was looking for a range finder. My thinking is a guy can spend just as much over the years on several items of average gear that would equal one large purchase on a quality piece that you will never have to replace in a lifetime!  If you are strictly an archer then it wouldn't be necessary to spend the dough but if you hunt all methods and several states in the west then a range bino is a good way to go.
 I like things to be simple and don't need one more thing to dig out of a pocket or a waist belt pouch when I'm wearing a pair of bino's and I'm already on an animal. At that point its just a push of a button and done!  One other thing to keep in mind, I have found in my experience over the years is that range finders with the black numbers in the viewfinder get very hard to see at low light even if you are archery hunting, I would look for one with red.